Alginate/PVA-based hydrogel matrices with Echinacea purpurea extract as a new approach to dermal wound healing

Sodium alginate/poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels containing Echinacea purpurea extract (0-20%) with antioxidant activity (73.2 +/- 2.4% inhibition, 2.54 +/- 0.096 TEAC) were developed using UV radiation. The swelling ability increases with increased extract contents and it reaches about 300%, which is related to the porosity. The presence of 20% of extract directly impacted the morphology, which became more porous. The degradation tests indicate no significant differences in pH and conductivity. However, the gradual increase of conductivity exhibits the expected rate of material degradation over time. In the case of hydrogels containing 5% and 15% of extract, the analyzed echinacoside was being released during 6 days.

Automated summary

Sodium alginate/poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels containing Echinacea purpurea extract with antioxidant activity were developed, and the swelling ability of the hydrogels increased with the extract contents. The presence of extract influenced the morphology of the hydrogels, with higher extract percentages leading to more porous structures. Additionally, degradation tests showed a gradual increase in conductivity over time, indicating the expected rate of material degradation.